I had shin splints for years as a kid and it just means you are using more of the back side muscles of your legs than the front. The cracks in my legs were almost 100% it got so bad.
Doctor will tell you to stay off your feet more often.
What advice I did not get from the doctor that I wish I knew back then that I know now from reading tips on the internet and it works like a charm is this:
Sit down with your legs raised level or resting on a foot stool or ottoman keep your legs straight do not bend them move your foot up and down. then point your foot up which will stretch the back side muscle as you try to make your toes point towards your face and hold it there for as long as possible then relax.
Do this 3 times a week then your pain will go away after a few weeks.
What also really helped me is getting very good shoes. Price is no object as you are going for comfort and what works for you. What I did is I bought Nike AIRMAX.
The old name of airmax is Nike 360. Heel to toe walking on air.
Good luck getting rid of your pain.
